Des Moines Area Community College to Hire Armed Security Guards

Des Moines Area Community College will have armed security guards on its campuses beginning this fall.

By Jessica Davis

March 14, 2019

Des Moines Area Community College will have armed security guards on its campuses beginning this fall. When announcing the plan Tuesday, the college said the decision was in response to increased gun violence taking place at schools.

“It’s ultimately the board’s responsibility for the safety and security of all DMACC locations,” board chairman Joe Pugel said.

DMACC wants to hire retired and off-duty police officers to fill the positions.

According to Stan Jensen, DMACC’s executive vice president, the college is still deciding which of the school’s six campuses will be patrolled by armed guards and how many positions will be required.

DMACC currently has a contract with Securitas Security Services USA to provide 26 unarmed security officers to patrol its campuses. Local police also patrol at all DMACC locations.

The school will retain some unarmed security guards to handle problems that do not involve weapons.

Jensen said school officials have not decided whether the armed security officers will be hired by DMACC or provided by an outside contractor. He said the decision to add armed security was not prompted by any incidents on campus.

In addition to the recommendation to add limited armed security, the board also approved recommendations to make mental health services more readily available, examine lighting and safety in walking areas and continue to train security staff in de-escalation techniques and conflict management.